Protective helmet with voice communication system

Abstract

An improved protective helmet of the type including a two-way voice controlled communication system having electronic transmitting and receiving circuitry. When incoming signals are received by the voice communication system, a transducer vibrates a rigid portion of the helmet, causing the helmet to act as a diaphragm to produce intelligible audible sounds. The electronic circuitry of the voice communication system is mounted in a resilient carrier for protection against damage from impact and shock to the helmet. Alternatively, the electronic circuitry may be supported on and protected by the conventional cushion lining of a protective helmet.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a protective helmet of the type including a voice communication system for selectively operating in transmitting and receiving modes, the improvement comprising: said protective helmet including a rigid portion capable of vibration in the audio frequency range;   an audio signal transducer including a vibratable drive member, actuable in response to a received signal; and,   said drive member being positioned relative to said helmet to drivingly contact said rigid portion whereby said rigid portion functions as a diaphragm of the transducer to produce signals in the audio frequency range.   
     
     
       2. A structure as in claim 1 further including a voice-controlled electronic switch means for selectively controlling the system to operate in transmitting and receiving modes. 
     
     
       3. A structure as in claim 1 wherein said vibratable element comprises a piezoelectric element receiving signals from said communication system and in contact with said helmet rigid portion for vibrating the same. 
     
     
       4. A structure as in claim 1 wherein said vibratable element comprises an electromechanical element receiving signals from said voice communication system and in contact with said helmet rigid body portion for vibrating the same. 
     
     
       5. A structure as in claim 1 further including a resilient member secured to the outside of said protective helmet; said communication system including a transmitting and receiving circuit, and said recieving circuit supported by said resilient member and cushioned by said resilient member against damage from impact and the like.   
     
     
       6. A structure as in claim 1 wherein said voice communication system includes a first antenna for said transmitting circuit and a second antenna for said receiving circuit, each of said antennae supported by and cushioned by said resilient member.